Dana Tiger is a member of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation and is of Creek/Seminole
and Cherokee descent. She was born in 1961, five years before the death of her
father, nationally acclaimed artist, Jerome Tiger. Dana turned to her father's art as a
way to know him. Through the paintings left by her father and under the tutelage of
her uncle, Johnny Tiger, Jr., Dana learned the extraordinary richness of her Native
American Culture.
During high school and college Dana won numerous awards for her paintings, but it
wasn't until 1985, at the age of twenty-four, that Dana began her full time career as a
painter. From the beginning, her one-woman shows have been sell-outs and she has
established herself an one of America's leading contemporary artists. Dana is best
known for her paintings portraying the strength and determination of Native American
women.
Dana has enjoyed many triumphs, but has also endured great tragedy, beginning with
the death of her father from an accidental gunshot wound in 1967. In 1990, Dana's
beloved twenty-two year old brother, Chris, was murdered. Then, in 1992 Lisa Tiger,
Dana's only surviving sibling, was told she tested positive for HIV, the virus that
causes AIDS.
Dana is outspoken in her advocacy for the rights of women and minorities, especially
Native Americans. She has donated painting for poster projects to a number of
worthwhile campaigns including the AIDS Coalition for Indian Outreach, The American
Cancer Society and the American Indian College Fund.
Dana was married to Donnie Blair on November 7, 1992. They have a daughter,
Christie, born September 1, 1993, and a son, Coleman Lisan, born July 16, 1995.
Dana now divides her time between her family, painting at her log cabin studio in the
country near Tahlequah, Oklahoma, traveling to exhibits and speaking at conferences
and schools about herself, her family and Native American women's issues.
Dana, Donnie, Christie and Lisan enjoy living in the heart of the Cherokee Nation
where they are close to family and friends.
The Daily Oklahoman Interview - 06/08/2001
Publisher
- Dana Tiger
26467 S. Peaceful Valley Lane
Park Hill, Oklahoma 74451
918.457.6035 or 918.822.7255
Subject Matter of Specialty
- The strength and determination of Native American Women.
Medium
- Acrylic Paints, Watercolors and Gouche
Published Prints
- Fifteen (15) Limited Edition Prints (Nine are sold out)
Ten (10) Open Editon Prints
Five (5) Note Cards
Five (5) Book Marks
Commitments
She has recently assisted the American Cancer Society to become more
active in the Native American Community by preparing illustrations which
represent culturally appropriate images in the Cancer Society's breast
cancer prevention project.
In 1992, Dana served as the featured artist for the Indians in Medicine
project, a scholarship program. She donated an original work of art
and produced a limited edition print as a part of her contribution to the fund.
She contributed one of her works to the Native American College Fund, to
be used as premiums for donors to that fund.
Dana will serve as one of the nine women selected nationally to serve as
a committee member for the National Organization for Women in the
planning of the national Racial and Ethnic Diversity Conference.
Dana Tiger's featured work for Agencies and Fundraising Events:
- "Patrol of the Light Horse" 1990 National Police Chiefs Convention, Tulsa, OK.
- "Courage and Culture" 1992 AIDS Coalition for Indian Outreach
- "Circle of Life" 1993 American Cancer Society, Breast Cancer Awareness Project
for Native American Women
- "Under Control" 1993 American Indian College Fund
- "Beautiful New Worlds" 1993 Ozark Literacy Council
- "Keeping Cultures Fires Burning" 1993 National Organization for Women,
Oklahoma State Conference
- "The Heailing Dream" 1994 Follies, Inc., AIDS Benefit
- "Wisdom from the Past, Strength for the Future" 1995 Conference on the
State of the American Indian Family
